Onboard is a 9.3 kWh or 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for 75 or 169 km, respectively. GM's Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV Gets New Upscale Trim Level After hitting the market in July 2020, GM reports that over 270,000 models have been sold. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV sells in China like hot cakes, as it fulfils the basic transportation needs at affordable price of 28,800-43,600 CNY ($4,521-$6,844). If you need a bit more capacity, the back seats simply push down and pull up via a strap. You already know where this is going the Honda E. We're obviously not privy to the behind-closed-doors discussions that go on at car companies, but the local arm's decision to pass on one of the coolest cars on the planet, EV or not, is bizarre. But increased battery costs have seen prices rise by around $1,000. Slightly more substantial than the Ami, and rather more expensive, is Smart's ForTwo and ForFour which could probably land here well under forty grand. The Wuling Hong Guan Mini EV Cabrio Is Really Happening - Gizmodo Australia Or it could take a very different route. In . The Mini EV has appealed to younger buyers in China, and he feels GM could target a similar demographic in the US, or in an emerging market, where a small city car would appeal. It can be charged using a normal 220-240V outlet. '&l=' + l : ''; Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. The Mini EV has a top speed of 62mph, and on an expressway, we managed to reach just over 50mph an experience that was much less unnerving than expected. We could live with sitting on the wrong side of the Ami, which is barely wider than the Renault Twizy, but driving on the wrong side of a massive van would be no fun at all. Theres a choice of a 9.3kWh or 13.8kWh battery pack. In January,CarAdvice reported a hard-top variant of the Hongguang Mini EV designed and built as part of a collaboration betweenSAIC and General Motors outsold the Tesla Model 3 in Chinathroughout January 2021, thanks in part to its impressive AU$5700price tag. Among the Macaron's many improvements over the basic Mini EV is a key safety featurethe driver now gets an airbag standard. New Wuling Mini EV For Sale - KiloGen That's a considerable price premium over the regular Hongguang Mini EV, which starts from just 32,800 yuan ($6900) and stretches to 69,8000 yuan ($14,700) for a fully-loaded Game Boy edition. Adding to the safety, more than 57% of the Hong Guang MINI EVs body consists of high-strength steel. After all, the automobile is just 2,921 millimeters long, or less than 3 meters. Yes, the Citroen Ami is a quadricycle like the pilloried and terrifying Gee Whiz, but it's made by a proper car company Stellantis. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The production Cabrio is essentially a toned-down version of the concept unveiled last year. Despite its ultra-compact dimensions, it somehow boasts 741 liters of storage space (with the rear seats folded) and 12 storage compartments. Externally, the Macaron version distinguishes itself from the standard Mini EV with a choice of funky pastel colors. This electric car is so popular among Chinese drivers that Wuling is making a cabrio model for 2022 despite convertibles not selling well in the country, as Car News China reports. The Wuling MINI EV from GM costs between $4,000 and $6,000. However, as a low-cost start to electric family transportation, the automobile is far superior to a scooter or motorbike. The four-seat Hong Guang Mini, which has top speeds of 62 mph and an estimated cruising range of 120 miles, is being made as a joint venture between SAIC Motor, Liuzhou Wuling Motors, and. Hard plastics are everywhere, and you can see the screw that attaches the door handle insert to the door. [CDATA[ */ [14] The vehicle has been such a success that it has inspired a number of copycats and competitors, including the Chery QQ Ice Cream, Dongfeng Fengguang MINI EV,[15] and BAW S3. In his spare time Derek loves chasing automotive rabbits down the hole. Wuling is a Chinese car firm youre probably not too familiar with. It is legal to drive on public roads, despite its wheels being just 12 inches in diameter and having a peak speed of only 62 miles per hour. Part of the reason for this is the simplicity of the design. } )( window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-WT4MKNJ' ); Nikrob was a temporary inter-step, says company founder Leonard Yankelovich. } ()); w[ l ] = w[ l ] || []; The Hong Guang Mini EV's convenience and low price have made it . Standard safety features of the Mini EV include anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring sensors, and rear parking sensors. The compact zero-emission hatchback reportedly weighs just 665kg. [12][13] The popularity has been compared to that of kei cars in Japan. These are very limited, with three dials for climate control and a very small LCD screen for the radio. The Blue Oval is keen to woo those who carry gear around for a living and knows that these folks are offended by the cost of fuel. However, with only a slow charger interface, refilling the latter takes nine hours. GM reveals tiny, adorable electric convertible to be sold in China - CNN China: Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV Sets Massive Sales Record - InsideEVs Speaking of value, prices for the Mini EV originally started at RMB28,800 ($4,389), while the 13.8-kWh luxury Macaron version we tested retailed for RMB43,600 ($6,645) until recently. The Mini EV is a step up from this levelcloser to a Japanese kei micro car. MINI Electric - Electric Vehicles Australia | MINI AUSTRALIA The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. And with such small wheels, you feel every pothole, all the more so given the poorly padded seats. The Mini EV is therefore likely to have issues more frequently, but it will also be cheaper to repair. We believe that most of the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EVs are driving on the streets and there is always a risk that such a crash might happen. And, like any good motoring journalist, we will insist that not only must the VW Up! The driver would have a chance to survive with some leg and head injury. Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Cabrio: Tiny drop-top revealed The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our livesfrom culture to business, science to design. With no fast-charging capacity, the Mini EV is essentially a city car. Guide to safely buying & selling a car online, Police forced to pay for car tracking app to find abducted toddler report, Hundreds of electrified cars deregistered in Victoria due to road-user tax report, 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 facelift unveiled, due in Australia next year, Renault Espace five- and seven-seat SUV under consideration for Australia, Upcoming Lotus electric sedan spied on a tow truck in the Arctic. Or is it? s.src = 'https://au-script.dotmetrics.net/door.js?d=' + document.location.host + '&t=other'; h.appendChild(s); Now, hear us out on this one. The Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV car body is a Hatchback. China has had a thriving industry in low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs), which in four-wheel form are more akin to golf carts. The Wuling Hongguang MINI EV Has A Rival: The Chery QQ Ice Cream Is It is 2,917 millimeters long, 1,493 millimeters wide and 1,621 [] 2020 Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV: Specs, Prices, Features The Master is a versatile panel van, available as either a platform cab or cab chassis, with a ton of space and a usable city driving range. We take a look at the cars that could kickstart an EV love affair. Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV - Electric Vehicle Specs The Nissan E-NV200 might not be much of a looker, but on paper it's a brilliant city van like the Peugeot Partner or VW Caddy. The Peugeot e-Expert has a silly name and isn't much to look at, but has an impressive driving range for a commercial vehicle (330km WLTP) and decent power and torque. Wayward steering.) [17], The Macaron is equipped with a small electric motor that generates a more powerful 20kW (27hp; 27PS) and 85Nm (63lbft) of torque compared to the previously launched base trim while range remains unchanged. [21], With six months in the market, the Mini EV sold 119,255 units in 2020, and ranked as China's and the world's second best selling plug-in car after the Tesla Model 3. 38 Photos Wuling - Hong Guang MINI EV specs: Two battery/range options 120 km (75 miles) of range using 9.3 kWh battery 170 km (106 miles) of range using 13.9 kWh battery top speed of 100 km/h. Pricing for the drop-top version has yet to be determined, but according to .css-vurnku{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;min-width:0;}Automotive News the convertible will sell for between 100,000 yuan ($20,000) and 200,000 yuan ($42,100).. Wuling Launches Hong Guang MINI EV - EV Obsession Every pothole is felt with such small wheels, which is made worse by the badly cushioned seats. Check out our Gear teams picks for the best fitness trackers, running gear (including shoes and socks), and best headphones, TurboTax service code 2023: Up to $15 off your purchase, 20% Off - All H&R Block 2023 Tax Software | H&R Block Discount Code, Instacart coupon code: $25 off any size order + free delivery, Extra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo code, GoPro promo code: 10% off all sitewide purchases + free shipping, 2023 Cond Nast. It can be charged using a 220V three-pin plug at a household and is equipped with a high-efficiency charging gun with easy storage. [4] Retail deliveries began in China in July 2020. As a result, Ford Australia's first electric car is going to be a van, the e-Transit. A joint venture between GM and Chinese businesses Wuling and SAIC saw the introduction of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV in July 2020. '&l=' + l : ''; . }. . The electric motor that comes in this Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV is 20 kW. The same cannot be said for the steering, which is generally imprecise. The vehicle comes with an intelligent battery management system which can monitor the battery status in real-time. And who doesn't want to see F-Series based ambulances again? It is a three-door electric microcar that, while not new in China, is the first to achieve widespread success. GM-backed $4,000 mini electric car has already received 50,000 orders j = d.createElement( s ), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? Perhaps the local arm should consider Ford's idea of a much larger unit, the Master Z.E.? Wuling Hongguang Mini EV - Wikipedia Ford's first EV locally at least as far as we know is a shrewd pitch to the tradespeople of Australia. As of January2022[update], sales since inception have passed 500,000 units, and the Mini EV has become the best-selling electric car in China. Given all of its other flaws, that's probably not a terrible thing. According to Nikkei Asia, 112,000 units of the Hong Guang Mini EV were sold in China between July and the end of 2020, making it the country's second best-selling EV after the Tesla Model 3. Can seat four. Take a bite of these third-party apps instead. You can whine all you like about the size, but large American trucks are selling here even after expensive right-hand drive conversions. The special edition Mini EVs have a redesigned front fascia with an additional LED strip connecting the two light clusters, in addition to revised headlights with LED daytime running lights. Stepping up into the niche is the smallest mass-market EV, and one of the best selling EVs of all time: the Wuling Hongguang Mini. Measuring just 2917mm long, 1493mm wide, 1621mm tall, and riding on a 1940mm wheelbase, the Mini EV is larger than the current Smart ForTwo by 222mm in length, 66mm in height, and 67mm in wheelbase. A Detailed Look At The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV - HotCars It would cost more to spec the cigar humidor glove box option on a Rolls-Royce or add Apple CarPlay to a Ferrari than to buy the Mini EV outright. Sport mode appears to be the superior option, offering significantly faster acceleration and more obvious brake regeneration. [20] Its exterior has been completely restyled with larger dimension, while the power remains to be unchanged and carried over from the standard Mini EV producing 27hp (20kW; 27PS) and 85Nm (63lbft) or 40hp (30kW; 41PS) and 110Nm (81lbft), mated to a 9.2, 13.9, or 25.5 kWh battery. }. The hardtop model starts at 28,000, or about A$6,177, and has a range of 169 km. The Battery Capacity, which is one of the most important parts of an Electric Vehicle, is 9.3 kWh or 13.9 kWh. Priced this low, there is not much insulating the car from road noise. The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV was crash tested against another EV - an ultra-cheap neighborhood electric vehicle (with lead-acid batteries) that's hilariously trying to resemble the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. var d = document, it has halogen headlamps and halogen bulbs in indicators and rear lights. Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats. The front suspension is McPherson and the rear one is Multi-link dependent type. Powering the rear wheels is an electric motor delivering 27 hp of power and 85 Nm of torque. In 2003, China became, for a time, the second-largest single market for GM, selling Chinese-only versions of Buicks and launching Chevrolet in the jurisdiction in 2005. It would be easy to compare the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV unfairly with pricier and better-equipped cars. The ground clearance offered is 125 mm. Given all the other foibles detailed here, that is probably not a bad thing. Copyright Drive.com.au 2023ABN: 84 116 608 158. Macaron is written on the drivers side rear pillar black insert, and the car features color-coordinated white wheels and roof. f.parentNode.insertBefore( j, f ); According to Tu Le, founder and managing director of Sino Auto Insights, there are two possibilities. The Mini EV Macaron: A version of the normal Mini EV introduced in April 2021. There are also two USB type A ports that allow you to play music or charge a device. Surprisingly, the EV includes a concealed toggle button behind the steering wheel that allows drivers to choose between Eco and Sport modes. Tiny new electric car beats Tesla Model 3, again, in China - The Driven More car parks, EV charging stations and battery-swapping facilities will be built, and battery recycling systems developed at a faster pace, Li said. The Macaron is a customized version that is available with three exclusive paint colors and more standard features. Its curb weight is around 665 kg. China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data has revealed that the Hong Guang Mini EV . SAIC Motor is the largest partner, with 50.1 percent ownership. Information regarding this small but impressive electric car that is a part . But is it safe? The Hong Guang Mini EV saw sales of 112,000 for the second half of 2020, ranking second behind Tesla's Model 3 which are made in its Shanghai factory. Mahindra eXUV300 Expected Launch Date & Estimated Price, Mahindra eKUV 100 To Be Launched By End Of 2022, 2023 Mazda MX-30 Crossover SUV Mazdas First Electric Car, Maserati GranTurismo Folgore EV All-Electric Super Sports Car, Mahindra XUV400 EV New Electric compact SUV. SAIC Motor $4,500 Electric Car Reportedly Outsells Tesla - Insider when sales dipped for the first time since the 1990s, China Sends a Warning to the U.S. About Domestic EV Battery Production, Global EV Adoption Hits New High of 20 Million Thanks to Tiny Electric Cars, Electric Cars Sold In Record Numbers Globally In 2021, A Serious Threat to Tesla Emerges in Nissan. A convertible variant of the Hongguang Mini EV - known as the Cabrio concept - was unveiled overnight at the Shanghai motor show. Leading to the assumption . This is enough to accommodate two 26-inch suitcases or a stroller. The e-Crafter van would be a good idea too if it wasn't left-hook only. Wuling itself may be hoping to replicate the Mini EVs success with its forthcoming Air EV, which appears to be a move into pricier models and could conceivably signal a desire to go after overseas markets. PHOTOS: GM Unveils New Versions of $6,000 EV Outselling Tesla in China One-pedal driving isn't practical since the automobile takes too long to slow down, owing to its lightweight of 1,543 pounds. The poor profit margin hasnt stopped Wuling and its sibling brand Baojun from creating more cars in the same vein. j.src = Under Euro NCAP regulations, for example, electronic stability control (ESC) is mandatory, but the Mini EV lacks that feature. The good thing is these firms are not messing around with these . s = d.createElement('script'); Being a compact van, it's not too big so would be good for the urban cut and thrust. microcar return to our shores, but it should be in e-Up! These are the top discounts weve found across the web. After all, the car is less than 3 meters long, 2,920 mm to be precise. The Hong Guang Mini EV electric hatchback launched in July 2020 and is manufactured through a joint venture between China's Wuling, Chinese state-owned automaker SAIC Motor, and General. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Produced by SAIC-GM (GM) -Wuling, a company partially owned by General Motors, the Hong Guang Mini EV sells at a starting price that's equivalent to about $4,400. Some of this is due to its development: the model had gone from concept to manufacturing in less than a year, which seems utterly implausible until you get close to one. Tesla's biggest rival in China: an in-depth look at the - TESLARATI Discover the city streets in a MINI Electric Hatch or MINI Countryman Hybrid with a 5.99% p.a comparison rate on a 36-month MINI Flex agreement*. Nikes most popular racing shoe is getting a reboot, The bird flu outbreak has taken an ominous turn, New Zealand faces a future of flood and fire, Explore AI like never before with our new database, Want the best tools to get healthy? Demand for this tiny BEV . The Macaron is a customized model with three unique paint colors and additional standard features. Safer than a scooter. The space might be able to fit something very thin, but the bottom is taken up with charging cables. A Detailed Look At The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, The Tata Avinya Concept Puts India On The Global EV Map. * MINI Finance, Australian Credit Licence 392387. That said, stuffing adults into those rear seats is not exactly comfortable. [22][23], In January 2021, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the Mini EV topped new energy vehicles sales with 25,778 units, compared to the Tesla Model 3 with 13,843 units sold in China. It's time for car companies to step up and offer us some product that we all know would fly off the forecourts. [17] The Macaron also receives more safety equipment compared to the previous base trim level, including low-speed pedestrian warning, a reversing camera with rear parking sonar and a driver-side airbag. Limited to using a standard 220V AC outlet, charging is naturally slow, with the base battery pack taking six hours to fully recharge. [18], In 2021 Lithuanian company Nikrob UAB announced a rebadged version of the Mini EV called the FreZe Nikrob with knock-down assembly in Vilnius, Lithuania. I imagine it wont be that different from the roofed models. Gear can make or break your home office setup. Yes, I wish to receive exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions from our partners. State-backed SAIC-GM-Wuling, a company partly owned by GM,. The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture has produced one of the most successful electric cars in China, the Wuling Hong Guan Mini EV. You can get one through the usual JDM importers for not-insane money, but without factory backing, life might be difficult if the battery needs recalling etc. There is no actual trunk even though there is a hatch at the back. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China's best-selling electric vehicle, outselling Tesla and all others. window.dm.AjaxEvent = function(et, d, ssid, ad){ [CDATA[ */ While there is a hatch at the back, there is no real trunk to speak of. /* ]]> */ The wheels look nearly identical, though, and so does the A-pillar and most everything above the door. Your email address will not be published. Wuling is coy regarding acceleration figures, but since the vehicle is electric and has instantaneous torque, it isnt unduly slow in town traffic. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. But the two-tone paint is still kind of here! The compact dimensions make it ideal for urban commuting and parking in tight spaces, yet the interior still has up to 741 liters of space with the rear seats folded down. The enchanting little thing looks like loads of fun! At the very first look, the car also looks small than usual cars. Now, a new entry into Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirms that the Mini EV Cabrio is coming to market, per Car News China. Uncomfortable. if(typeof window.DotMetricsObj != 'undefined') {DotMetricsObj.onAjaxDataUpdate();} window.dm = window.dm ||{ AjaxData:[]}; Check Out This Must-See Review Of The Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV - InsideEVs /* Inside, the Macaron gets exterior color-matching inserts for the door pulls and highlights around what pass for controls. In comparison to the previous standard trim level, the Macaron gets extra safety features, including a low-speed pedestrian alert, a reversing camera with rear parking sonar, and a driver-side airbag. Once in the drivers seat, you immediately notice two issues. E lectric vehicles should be going great guns at the moment - we've all been trapped in the country (and mostly our states) for months, there's nothing to do and for some . margin-top: -19px; People in China arent buying the Mini EV for its design; theyre buying it at a reported rate of 1,800 models per day because its cheap and its range is good enough. The Hong Guang MINI EV has a practical "small on the outside, big on the inside" design.